Wondering when you next have some bonus days off? It’s no surprise that, with the vast array of places to explore and things to do, private and public holidays in the UAE are eagerly anticipated. So, with staycations and vacations in mind, get those calendars out as we reveal the list of expected private and public UAE holidays 2023.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN UAE 2023
For those looking to plan ahead, the following days are likely to be observed as public holidays in UAE. Here’s a quick overview of the UAE public holidays 2023 calendar.
Please note that many of the following UAE public holidays are tentative, based on the sighting of the moon. The actual dates will be confirmed by official authorities during the Islamic months they fall under.
Additionally, the dates for this list of UAE public holidays may change once the UAE Government announces the official list.
To stay updated, bookmark this UAE holidays calendar 2023 and keep checking back for the confirmed dates!
SUNDAY, JANUARY 1ST – NEW YEAR’S DAY
The first holiday in UAE 2023 is New Year’s Day! However, the new year holiday in the UAE falls during the weekend, which means that UAE residents will not receive an extra day off.
FROM THURSDAY, 20TH APRIL – EID AL FITR (THE FIRST EID HOLIDAYS IN UAE 2023)
UAE Muslims celebrate two Eid yearly: Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha.
Eid Al Fitr 2023 in the UAE will mark the end of the Islamic Holy Month of Ramadan. According to The Cabinet, Eid is expected to be between Ramadan 29 and Shawwal 3, meaning holidays for Eid Al Fitr might be from the 20th to the 23rd of April.
TUESDAY, 27TH JUNE – ARAFAT HOLIDAYS IN UAE
Before the second Eid holiday of 2023, there is a holiday for Arafat Day, the Islamic occasion that marks the second day of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah. On this day, Muslim pilgrims will travel from Mina to a nearby hill known as Mount Arafat. This is expected to fall on Tuesday – 27th June 2023.
FROM 28TH JUNE – EID AL ADHA (SECOND EID HOLIDAYS IN UAE 2023)
The next major public holiday in the UAE 2023 will be Eid Al Adha, which follows the Muslim pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj). This translates to a ‘Festival of Sacrifice’ and honours the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail.
Meanwhile, the holidays for Eid Al Adha in the UAE will be between the 10th and 12th of Dhu Al Hajj, which means the holidays are expected to be from the 28th to the 30th of June.
During the holidays for Eid Al Adha 2023 in the UAE, you can explore some of the best resorts in the UAE! Check back on MyBayut for the best staycation offers during the Eid Al Adha holidays in the UAE.
Please note that the UAE Eid holidays in 2023 will depend on the sighting of the moon and are subject to change.
FRIDAY, 21ST JULY – AL HIJRI (ISLAMIC NEW YEAR IS A GOVERNMENT HOLIDAY IN THE UAE)
The next UAE national holiday in 2023 will mark the beginning of the Islamic New Year. The new Hijri Year (1445) will begin from Muharram 1 and depends on moon sightings.
As per the latest federal government announcement, this upcoming public holiday in the UAE holiday has been locked for Friday, 21st of July.
FRIDAY, 29TH SEPTEMBER – PROPHET MUHAMMAD’S (PBUH) BIRTHDAY
Another one of the UAE public holidays that residents can look forward to will fall in September 2023. The Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday is celebrated by Muslims in the UAE on the 12th Rabi Al Awwal, as per the Islamic lunar calendar. This is also expected to fall on Friday, 29th September 2023.
SATURDAY, 2ND DECEMBER – COMMEMORATION DAY
Commemoration Day is observed to recognise the sacrifice of Emirati martyrs. This will be one of the last official government holidays in the UAE for the year 2023. This holiday will fall on Saturday, 2nd December 2023.
SUNDAY, 3RD DECEMBER – UAE NATIONAL DAY
The last government holiday in the UAE in 2023 will be for the country’s National Day, which is celebrated annually on December 3. In 2023 this will fall on a Sunday, meaning residents can expect a four-day long weekend in the UAE when combined with Commemoration Day.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN THERE BE CHANGES TO THESE HOLIDAYS?
Yes, all Islamic holidays are subject to moon sightings and are yet to be confirmed.
How does UAE celebrate its National Day?
Every year, the United Arab Emirates commemorates the day of its formation as a free and independent country with great zeal and zest. Traditional UAE National Day celebrations include fireworks in several neighbourhoods as well as a light show at Burj Khalifa.
And that wraps up our list of upcoming public holidays in the UAE for 2023! These holidays provide a great chance for families to plan for a holiday trip from Dubai and other emirates.
Families can visit some of the best destinations for holidays from across the world, including the USA, Europe, Far East and Africa. Residents can also go on short or long solo trips from Dubai to different countries across the globe. Start planning your vacations or staycations to get the best deals on flights, hotels and activities.
Those who do not want to leave the country during holidays can enjoy their time in their city with friends and family. They can check out an array of fun things to do in Dubai and in other emirates, including upscale eateries, beaches, parks and historic sites.
Bear in mind that the exact dates for this list of holidays in the UAE may change throughout the year.
A lot will be happening around the city for the national holidays throughout the year. So if you are searching for some more fun things to do during the UAE holidays 2023, stay tuned to MyBayut for updates on the hottest events, activities and attractions!
